Bishop Barber: Rev. Spearman was ‘champion for justice’

Contact: Martha Waggoner | mwaggoner@breachrepairers.org 

Statement on the passing of the Rev. Dr. T. Anthony Spearman, religious, NAACP,  civil rights and human rights leader, from Bishop William J. Barber II,  president and senior lecturer of Repairers of the Breach and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.

"North Carolina and the nation have lost a champion for justice and a beloved public servant with the death of Rev. Dr. T. Anthony Spearman.  My heart is broken. Tears seem not to be enough so I have not cried yet. I’ve only been silent and in prayer for his family. I have lost a true brother in the struggle.  We have all lost a freedom fighter, a man deeply committed to justice, and a man of true faith. We have lost a scholar, a preacher, a voting rights defender, an advocate for prison reform and for the wrongfully accused and a stalwart soldier in the cause of love and justice for all humankind. This great man’s efforts and commitment should be cherished. We must honor his life and continue his work. But right now, we must love and support his wife and his family. Now we must only focus on honorably laying him to rest. He fought the good fight and his course has been finished. But his legacy of service and works will follow him. We are certain of that. Let all people of conscience say.